CREDIT: THINKSTOCK
Sexual harassment reports were filed and two MPs were suspended. Will this be the start of change?

The allegations of sexual misconduct against CBC Radio host Jian Gomeshi have led to a legitimate opportunity for a dialogue about sexual harassment in the workplace, one which is playing out on Parliament Hill.

Federal Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau was made aware of allegations of sexual harassment in relation to two Liberal Party MPs and subsequently suspended them, despite being told the information in confidence. The various inciting incidents have led to an environment in which women in the political realm are feeling compelled to come forward with troubling revelations about the culture on Parliament Hill.

Scott Andrews and Massimo Pacetti were suspended from Parliament after an unidentified member of the NDP approached Justin Trudeau with concerns about the two men’s behaviour. Both members of parliament have expressed confidence that they will be found to have acted in an appropriate manner.

The nature of sexual harassment is such that it’s difficult to have an objective picture of what it entails exactly. A hand on the shoulder could be a friendly gesture, or it could be something more sinister.

CBC writer Laura Payton wrote a short piece about her time on Parliament Hill before becoming a Hill reporter and the account reveals a culture that seems unconcerned with promoting a culture of respect. Social functions become large booze and schmooze gatherings and Payton even reflected on an acquaintance who would time their exit for when the second round of drinks was going out to avoid the uncomfortable interactions that would inevitably follow.

It’s imperative that some manner of legislation or investigation is born out of these revelations. The paradigm of wink and nod sexism has been an embarrassment to our society for long enough. The path to change is one that requires prudence given the severity with which incidents of sexual harassment must be treated.

There have been too many cases of established men being falsely accused of misconduct and care must be taken to ensure the validity of claims. Which is, of course, what it boils down to.

It can be impossible to produce evidence of sexual harassment, particularly when it’s not manifest in a physical manner. This underscores the importance of creating a culture where sexual harassment allegations can be handled sensitively in order to create genuine accountability.

The appropriate thing to do at this time would be to appoint a committee to investigate the measures that could be taken to address the issue. The combination of legislation and public education have led to enormous improvements in women’s rights but perhaps there are new avenues yet to explore that will enable further growth.

The social climate is primed to have this discussion and with some of the biggest political figures in the country being involved, there’s a real opportunity for positive change.
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